Disclaimer: The characters in this work do not belong to me. No money is being made from this story.

After re-watching the sneak peek for the twentieth time, I was reminded of something I had already written as a draft. taking that as a sign, I typed up that scenario and all the rest associated with the topic, which is sleep. #22 is based on an awesome scene in Angel.

Upload Date: September 25, 2012

Chapter Rating: K

Chapter Summary: All in the title.

#22
Drifting

#23
That's Why

#24
Progress

#22

It had been a long day, starting with a body-drop at three in the morning. There were so many details, discrepancies, suspects, people of interest and witnesses in this case it had been midnight by the time they had finally gone home. Of course, Beckett had repeatedly told Castle to just go home without her but he had stayed with her, making her coffee, bouncing of theories and keeping her sane with his banter. By the time they got back to her place, they both collapsed on the bed, fully clothed, facing each other, eyes too heavy to keep open.

They were both at the precipice of sleep, exhausted and semi-conscious; yet somehow still aware of each other's presence.

"Mm," said Castle, his voice laced with sleep.

"Hmm?" Beckett asked, her voice just as slumberous.

"You need a break."

"Can't."

"Next vacation day. Take you away."

She smiled lazily. "Where?"

"Hamptons?"

"Been there."

"Bed-and-Breakfast?"

"Boring," she sighed.

"Europe?"

"Air-sickness."

"Take my boat."

"Sea-sickness."

"Hmm," said castle. "We could just stay here."

"Mm," said Beckett. "Or we could go camping."

Castle groaned. "Don't like camping."

"Mm, it'll be great. I'll show you."

"What if it gets cold?"

"Pitch a tent."

"Mm, too much work."

"Other ways to keep warm. Share a sleeping bag. Snuggle up fin front of the fire. Make love under the stars."

"Mm, I guess I could get the hang of camping."

"Mm, Talk about it tomorrow."

"Ok."

"Night.'

"Night."

"I love you," she mumbled into her pillow.

"Love you too," he said vaguely, as they both floated towards their slumber.

The next day, over breakfast, Beckett suddenly froze, her coffee halfway between the breakfast table and her mouth. "Oh!"

"What?" Castle enquired, concerned, as he sat next to her.

Beckett turned to face him. "I said 'I love you' last night.

He smiled. "Yes. Yes, you did."

She nodded slowly. "I meant it."

He nodded back "I know," he said, kissing her on the cheek.

"I was a bit out of it but -"

"So was I. Still meant it.'

She grinned slowly. "So we're good."

"We're amazing," he grinned back.

"Good."

"Good."

#23

Why do I have to wake up? Castle complained inwardly as he rubbed his light-stung eyes. Then, he turned over to see the beautiful naked woman sleeping next to him, a contented smile on his face.

Oh, yeah, that's why.

His lip curled in delectation as he watched her, gently tucking a strand of haor behind her ear.

She stirred slightly, sighing. "I love you."

His arm froze, and his breathing slowed.

She could be talking to anyone – her parents, a childhood pet, and old boyfriend -

"I love you Castle," she mumbled, as if hearing.

A small smile crept up on his lips and he kissed her temple.

"Good morning," she said as he entered her room, carrying two cups of coffee.

"Good morning," he said as he sat down on the bed, placing a kiss on her cheek and giving her a cup.

"I can't believe you woke up before me," said Beckett.

"Well, it was bound to happen eventually. So, did you sleep well?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Yeah. Did you... have any interesting dreams?"

She narrowed her eyebrows. "Not particularly. Why?"

"No reason," he simpered as he took a sip.

They were snuggled up on the couch together, both reading their own books.

Beckett put her book down to peer up at him. He was completely engrossed in his novel, tongue cured over his mouth in concentration.

She smiled as she watched him.

She didn't really think about it much. It just felt completely natural to say the next words. "I love you."

He didn't respond.

"Castle?"

"Mm," said Castle.

"Did you hear what I said?"

He glanced at her. "Yeah, I love you, too." Then, he went back to his book.

Narrowing her eyebrows, she unwrapped herself from his arms.

He looked up again. "There something wrong?"

"No, no. Nothing's wrong; I just... thought you'd be a little more excited the first time I told you I loved you."

"Well, I was, but sweetheart, that was months ago."

She shook her head in confusion. "What are you - ?"

"You told me you loved me in your sleep."

"I did?"

He grinned. "Yeah."

"Oh. Well, that doesn't really count."

"I didn't think so the morning you said it, either. But then, that night, you said it again. And the next night and – not the night after that but the morning after that and – well... you tell me you love me pretty much every day."

She stared, mortified. "Oh. So, I guess you've been feeling pretty pleased with yourself, huh?"

"Actually, I've been pretty pleased with you." He pulled her back into him. "Hey, every time you say it is exciting. I am never going to get complacent with that, ok?"

She smiled in spite of herself. "Ok."

#24

He hadn't invited her. She had been the one to ask if she could come on his book tour with him. Of course, he'd been delighted when she had – if a little taken aback. Well, she had a bit of time off at work and the idea of Castle travelling the country being followed around by flocks of mindless fan girls did not sit well with her at all.

So, that's why they were currently sitting in first class.

Castle had fallen asleep. The image reminded her of a similar flight two years ago, on their way back from Los Angeles, re-reading Royce's letter as an oblivious Castle napped beside her.

Back then, she hadn't been ready to admit her feelings for Castle – at least not out loud.

Now, though? She was ready.

She smiled down at him, her thumb grazing his bottom lip as he slept.

"I love you," she said.

He didn't stir, didn't make a peep. Maybe she wasn't quite ready to say it to Castle while he was awake, but she had definitely made progress, and as she looked down at him, she knew without a doubt that she would get there one day.

Just not today.

I think I invented a new word.